The Bombay Technologist

Self Assembled Molecular Coatings in Medical Application

Nishad Dhopatkar

Surface Coating Technology Department

Ishan Mehta

Polymer Engineering and Technology Department

Keywords: SAMS, ESA, Self Assembled Monolayer (SAMs), Biocompatibility, Stents, Pacing Leads, LCPs, Stimuli-Responsiveness.

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Abstract

Molecular self-assembly (SAMS) is the assembly of molecules without guidance or management from an outside source. SAMS has been used for studies and applications in many areas like surface wetting, non-fouling property, electrochemistry, surface passivation, protein binding, DNA assembly, corrosion resistance, biological arrays, cell interactions, and molecular electronics. It has found applications in medical field as well in recent years simply because of its passive method of formation, its biocompatibility, biodegradability and reversible responsiveness to various stimuli. Inclusion of self assembly strategy has given new pathways in field of medicine. This article elucidates some of the major medical applications which involve self assembled molecular coatings.